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A serene singletrack along Cataract Creek with many waterfalls.


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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM

81%

Runnable

1,970' 601 m

High

655' 200 m

Low

63' 19 m

Up

1,350' 412 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Description

This steep run packs a lot into 3 short miles: many waterfalls, beautiful old growth forest, stream burbles, and cooler temps thanks to the deep, dark ravine. There are many steep sections of this trail with sets of stairs, but the trail is in good shape with little erosion.

From the upper parking lot, start out across a sunny meadow but then quickly duck into dense forest filled with ferns and huge oak, bay laurel, and fir trees. Join Cataract Creek and follow its descent all the way to Alpine Lake. Along the way, you'll pass at least 6 waterfalls of varying height. They might dry up in late summer but usually have at least a small flow. The creek sounds can be delightful - be sure to stop for a moment and enjoy the peace!

Once you hit Alpine Lake, the trail soon ends. You could go back the way you came or make a bigger loop using one of the many trails in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Mason Musumeci

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 10 votes

#7220

Overall
  4.4 from 10 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#561

in California

#7,220

Overall
28 Views Last Month
4,317 Since Sep 15, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Cataract Creek Falls #6.
Sep 15, 2016 near Bolinas, CA
Airplane engine.
Sep 15, 2016 near Bolinas, CA
The Laurel Dell picnic area.
Sep 15, 2016 near Bolinas, CA
Cataract Creek Falls #3
Sep 15, 2016 near Bolinas, CA
Reflections.
Sep 15, 2016 near Bolinas, CA
Cataract Trees
Aug 20, 2016 near Bolinas, CA

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